Reproductive rights, environmental justice and gun control were some of the issues that brought demonstrators to rally outside Wareham Town Hall on Saturday, Oct. 8. 

The sign-holding rally was organized by Blue Crew 508, and is a part of the larger “Women’s Wave” movement that held events across the country on Saturday. 

The Blue Crew is made up of three Wareham women: Kate Furler, Sandy Cormier and Brenda Eckstrom.

The crew joined together about a year ago when they learned that Roe v. Wade could be overturned by the United States Supreme Court. 

In the 2022 case of Dobbs v. Jackson, the Supreme Court held that the United States constitution does not confer the right to have an abortion. 

“People told us that Roe v. Wade would never be overturned, and look what happened — it was,” said Cormier. “When people say we’re safe in Massachusetts, I don't think we are unless we stand up and do something about it.”

“The three of us decided, ‘let's just do more.’” said Furler. “[Let’s] be more organized and have a system to set up [events].”

Women in attendance held signs reading “Roe your vote,” “Reproductive equality now,” and “Grab them by the ballot.” Some passing motorists waved and honked in support, others gave the demonstrators a thumbs-down. 

April Cincotta-Clarke waved at passing cars with her six-year-old daughter, Laila. 

“I’m teaching my daughter how to fight for her rights,” said Cincotta-Clarke when asked why she attended the rally. 

Many demonstrators attended specifically to support reproductive rights. Some people, like Judi Grassi, came with signs calling for gun control, climate action, and voting rights for incarcerated women.

“Women in jail should be able to speak for their own bodies,” she said.

This is the sixth event held by the Blue Crew, said Cormier. Earlier this year, they held a “March for Our Lives” rally in response to the Uvalde shooting that drew around 150 demonstrators. 

Furler said that people come from surrounding towns, Cape Cod, and as far away as Rhode Island to attend the Blue Crew’s rallies. 

According to Furler, the purpose of events like these is not to make any direct change.

“[We want to show that] there are some people who care enough to spend three hours standing out on the road and waving,” said Furler. “That’s what we’re about — getting people to pay attention to these issues.”